"I want Michael to go on and win it, simple as that" - Nathan Aspinall backing Smith for Premier League Darts glory after playoff heartbreak in Sheffield

In the final week of the league phase in the 2024 Premier League Darts season, Nathan Aspinall needed a win over Michael Smith in the quarter-finals in Sheffield, to secure himself a spot in the playoffs. Sadly for the Asp and his fans, it was Smith who prevailed, taking the fourth playoff spot for himself.

This marked a final week disappointment for the second year running for Aspinall as in 2023, he also missed out on the playoffs by losing his quarter-final on the final night, that time around to Jonny Clayton. "Listen, I shouldn't have put myself in a position to go down to the final week," Aspinall reflects honestly in conversation with Online Darts. "I'd had opportunities. I should have beaten Luke Littler in one game, I should have beaten Michael Smith last week, but credit where credit is due, Michael played fantastic."

Probably the biggest difference between the two in their playoff showdown, was the superior finishing of Smith. "The 136 and the 132 he took out against me were unbelievable shots," Aspinall recalls, full of praise for his opponent. "Everyone knows me and Michael are good mates and I texted him straight away after the game, saying congratulations."

"He handled it better than me. I thought he would feel the pressure and I wouldn't. If I'm going to be deadly honest with you, I felt it, I really did. I think I put too much pressure on myself," Aspinall continues. "I've been in the the top four for the last eight weeks, Michael hadn't so I felt like Michael had nothing to lose and I had everything to lose."

Prior to the last World Darts Championship, Aspinall and Smith practiced often together and in the process, became quite close friends. "When I'm playing him, I want to beat him of course I do. But, he beat me fair and square and you know, I wish him all the best," concludes the reigning World Matchplay champion. "I want Michael to go on and win it, simple as that. He's a great guy and he is a class act on and off the oche."

In the playoffs next Thursday night night, Smith faces off against table topper Luke Littler in the Premier League Darts semifinals. A tough task for sure, but one made slightly better for 'BullyBoy' given his positive record against the teen sensation.